SENSITIVE MATERIAL. THIS IMAGE MAY OFFEND OR DISTURB. People march in protest against ICE during a "National Shutdown," a nationwide day of no school, no work and no shopping, in New York City, U.S., January 30, 2026. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz
(Washington, DC) – Tricia McLaughlin, a high-profile spokeswoman for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, has departed the Trump administration, officials confirmed Friday. McLaughlin, who served as one of the department’s principal public voices on immigration, border security, and other core DHS priorities, submitted her resignation this week after more than two years in the role.
During her tenure, McLaughlin was a consistent presence at press briefings and public events, tasked with defending and explaining the department’s policies under intense national scrutiny. Her exit comes amid growing internal and external debates over immigration enforcement, border management, and DHS’s broader strategic direction. McLaughlin’s communications leadership was widely credited with sharpening DHS’s messaging during high-profile enforcement actions and legislative battles.
Sources familiar with McLaughlin’s decision indicate she plans to pursue opportunities in the private sector, though no formal announcement about her next role has been made. In a brief statement, McLaughlin thanked her colleagues at DHS and reaffirmed her commitment to public service, saying she looked forward to helping shape the national dialogue on homeland security issues in new ways.
A DHS spokesperson said a transition plan is underway as the department prepares to name an interim communications director. The change in leadership is expected to occur in the coming weeks and will likely draw attention from lawmakers and advocacy groups alike, given the timing and ongoing policy challenges facing the department.
